With rising public concerns over pollution blowing in from China, dust control products are gaining popularity.

Air Max, a mat suctioning fine dust from shoes, made by Testonic, is one such product.

“The company has sought a way to keep front entrances clean, which is important to prevent air pollution inside buildings. Eventually, we invented a mat product to clean off all types of hazardous substances attached to shoes,” Testonic CEO Kang Ok-nam said.

To differentiate the product from similar products, the company sought to make using it more convenient by designing it to automatically suck air pollutants from users’ shoes when they step on the mat, Kang said.

The company also provides different sized mats based on customers’ needs.

Riding on the rising popularity of dust control products, demand for Air Max ranges from homes to office buildings to food factories, the company said.

Based on positive feedback from local customers, the company has increased exports to Thailand, Mexico and Brazil, the company said, adding that one group of big overseas clients was the overseas offices of Samsung Group.

Air Max will be awarded for its originality and contribution to environmental improvements during the 2013 Korea Invention Patent Exhibition, which will be held by Korea Invention Promotion Association between Nov. 28 and Dec. 2 at COEX in Seoul.

(jyseo@heraldcorp.com)